Rishi Sunak given permission to construct fence round Grade II listed mansion

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak can construct a fence round his dwelling, regardless of protests from locals.

North Yorkshire Council mentioned he can press forward with plans to place up a picket barrier round his Grade II listed mansion. Last month, the Sunday Mirror revealed that native residents had objected to the 165ft-long fence, fearing it might adversely influence badgers and different wildlife.

Mr Sunak, 43, submitted the applying after eco protesters walked by an unlocked gate and climbed on to the roof of his £1.5million dwelling in Kirby Sigston, North Yorks, in August. His planning agent mentioned the fence presents “no issues in terms of landscape impact” and shall be “a simple, modest barrier to discourage incursion”.

Villager Sarah Widdowson claimed the fence may destroy pure habitats and turn into an “eyesore” within the magnificence spot. Her official objection learn: “I often park adjacent to the manor on the road and watch the badgers on a night – to change the landscape of the area with a fence is an unnecessary decision. We should be protecting and preserving what makes our county look so beautiful, not putting up ugly and harsh fencing.”

Meanwhile, the PM U-turned on plans to chop spending on his “helicopter addiction”. Sunak’s style for short-haul flights has lengthy sparked criticism from taxpayers and local weather activists. Spending was on account of be lower from September with the Government promising to not renew a £40million contract which funded the flights. But we are able to reveal the deal has been prolonged.

Emily Thornberry, Shadow Attorney General, mentioned: “Rishi Sunak just can’t shake his helicopter addiction – even the thought of taking a train to Essex was enough to make him break his promise.” Lib Dem deputy chief Daisy Cooper mentioned: “He is taking taxpayers for a ride.”

The Ministry of Defence mentioned in August the contract with Sloane Helicopters would finish and the agency introduced the public sale of a chopper utilized by the PM. An MoD spokesman mentioned on the time the transfer was “part of ensuring funds are prioritised on key areas”. But the deal was prolonged and the chopper taken off the market.

Minister Andrew Murrison admitted this week the PM made two helicopter journeys within the final month, together with one to a faculty in Lincolnshire which might have price as little as £25 every means for a one-hour practice experience. The Government mentioned non-public flights had been chartered for logistical and safety causes.